overdrive

noun

over·​drive ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv How to pronounce overdrive (audio)
1
: an automotive transmission gear that transmits to the drive shaft a speed greater than engine speed
2
: a state of heightened activity
going into rhetorical overdrive

Examples of overdrive in a Sentence

He put the car into overdrive. His acting career is in overdrive. The reporters went into overdrive to finish their stories on time.
Recent Examples on the Web Even as party insiders told Deadline that there was no way Queen Bey would show up in Chicago and risk overshadowing the Vice President’s speech, media speculation of an appearance went into overdrive — with more than a few outlets having egg on their page when Beyoncé was a no-show. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 The displays also automatically tint in brighter environments so that objects are easier to see and so the displays don’t need to go into overdrive to make things visible. Anshel Sag, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 With the Marketing Automation plan, automation features shift into overdrive. PCMAG, 22 Oct. 2024 The rumor mill went into overdrive this week as the lengthy search for an actor to play John Stewart entered its final stages, with Pierre, James’ names, as well as Snowfall‘s Damson Idris, all talked about at some point. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overdrive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overdrive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdrive was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near overdrive

Cite this Entry

“Overdrive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdrive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

overdrive

noun
over·​drive ˈō-vər-ˌdrīv How to pronounce overdrive (audio)
: a transmission gear in an automobile that allows the drive shaft to operate at a speed greater than that of the engine crankshaft
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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